TOMOE Corporation benefits by co-creation of a tablet-based inspection system which improves the quality of assembling and avoids the risk of causing delays

"If we miss an error during the materials assembly stage, it leads to delays in the final construction schedule. Our objective was to ensure we could catch every error by harnessing the power of ICT in the inspection of assemblies."

Augmented Reality (AR) boosts the efficiency of assembly inspection.

Customer

Since its establishment in 1917, TOMOE Corporation (TOMOE) has been involved in the design, manufacture and implementation work on a vast array of buildings, steel towers, bridges and steel structures. The company has developed numerous proprietary construction-related technologies and won widespread acclaim for the technological prowess exhibited in a wide range of projects, including the evocative sail-like roof over the multipurpose commercial facility of Tokyo Station.

Challenge

In order to minimize human error in measuring construction dimensions and angles, and minimize the risk of rework during construction, TOMOE developed a prototype system based on 3D CAD. However, this system was too complex for reliable use.

Solution

TOMOE partnered with Fujitsu for the digital co-creation of a tablet-based inspection system using digital imagery and augmented reality technology. Data is extracted from photos taken of construction elements, before being overlaid on solid model images drawn from 3D CAD data, allowing for immediate and accurate inspection on the tablet screen.

Benefit

Inspection of components now takes 10% of the time required for visual inspection

Faults are now accurately identified allowing early modifications during the materials assembly stage

Ability to inspect large steel structures, which was previously not feasible